Good Vibes US tour pauses for Kabaka Pyramid and Bebble Rockers
Artistes following CDC COVID-19 protocols
Published:Thursday | August 19, 2021 | 12:07 AMYasmine Peru/Senior Gleaner Writer
The Good Vibes Summer Tour 2021, headlined by California reggae band Rebelution, and originally featuring Steel Pulse, Kabaka Pyramid, Keznamdi and DJ Mackie, kicked off on August 5 in Fresno, California, but with one alteration; there was no Steel Pulse. And, by last Tuesday, there was another hiccup; Kabaka Pyramid had to take a two-week leave of absence.
On August 17, Rebelution Music posted on social media the following statement: “It is with a heavy heart that Kabaka Pyramid and the Bebble Rockers announce they will miss the next two weeks of the Good Vibes Summer Tour as they take precautionary measures and follow the CDC’s recommended COVID-19 protocols.”
They also shared a statement from Kabaka Pyramid: “We apologise and hope that everyone will understand the decision that was made, as we were looking forward to seeing you all. We would like to reassure all fans that everyone is feeling fine and in good spirits at this time. Thank you for your understanding, and stay safe out there. We’ll be back soon.”
Kabaka Pyramid had previously been posting pictures from the tour stops, celebrating being on the road again after the pandemic ground entertainment to a halt in March 2020. On August 5, he noted, “Moments like this. Thank you, #Fresno. We doing what we love again! #SummerVibesTour #CostaMesa tonight and tomorrow night! August 6.”
ADAPTATION PROCESS
But, he later acknowledged, while offering apologies for his absence, that “touring life will never be the same, these things happen in the adaptation process. Guidance and protection”.
Steel Pulse, which had taken the decision not to participate in the Good Vibes Summer Tour, had issued a statement on August 2, informing fans that they had pulled out owing to concerns over the pandemic. “Due to the ever-evolving COVID-19 Delta variant and the high-risk health concerns to our band and crew, we, unfortunately, have come to the difficult decision to cancel our participation in the upcoming The Good Vibes Summer Tour. We are devastated to share this news with you. We know this will come as an enormous disappointment to all those looking forward to Steel Pulse this summer. We understand the gravity of the situation for all those affected by this announcement and feel it’s the right decision for us, based on the rapidly changing health and safety information available today.”
MORE CHALLENGING
For Jamaican reggae artiste Keznamdi the tour continues, but he acknowledged that the pandemic has made it more challenging, with COVID-19 tests being carried out every day and strict mask-wearing protocols in place.
“Touring is never easy, especially at this magnitude in the middle of a pandemic. You can count on one hand how many tours are happening, especially reggae tours. We have been getting tested before every show, strict rules to wear masks once in a venue. It’s just not [in] the name, because bringing people together in the name of music is about connecting and celebrating with people, but we have to be very cautious and strict about who enters our space now so that [physically] connection with people before and after shows are very limited,” Keznamdi told The Gleaner.
He added, “But on a positive note, we are of a few reggae bands touring now, and it feels good to be on stage performing to sold-out crowds across the US; we can’t take that for granted in these unprecedented times. We had an electrifying performance to 20,000 people strong in San Diego yesterday, which was very overwhelming in a good way, and it feels good to be representing wi culture and wi country at this level. Regardless of the pandemic, people [have] been showing up because all the amphitheatres we have been performing in have either been packed or sold out. Depression is at an all-time high right now, and by the attendance at these shows, you can see people are in real need of a release!!! These are some serious times!!!”
Interestingly, another California group, The Green, had also been originally confirmed for the tour, but they had informed fans via a post on July 8 of their cancellation. Pacific Dub will join the tour until Kabaka Pyramid and the Bebble Rockers return on August 29 at the Britt Pavilion in Jacksonville, Oregon.
Calls to Kabaka Pyramid went unanswered.